Kingsblood Royal is a novel by Sinclair Lewis, published in 1947. It tells the story of Neil Kingsblood, a banker in the small town of Grand Republic, Minnesota. Neil is a descendant of a long line of prominent citizens, but he is unaware of his royal ancestry until he discovers a document that reveals he is a direct descendant of a French nobleman. Neil is shocked by the revelation and decides to investigate his family’s past. He discovers that his ancestors were part of a secret society of aristocrats who had been persecuted and driven out of France centuries ago. Neil also discovers that his family had been involved in the slave trade and had profited from it. Neil is torn between his newfound knowledge and his loyalty to his hometown. He is determined to use his newfound power to help the people of Grand Republic, but he is also aware of the potential danger of revealing his ancestry. He must decide whether to keep his secret or to use it to help the people of his town. The novel explores themes of identity, race, and class in America during the 1940s. It is a powerful and thought-provoking story about the power of secrets and the consequences of revealing them.
By Sinclair Lewis · First published 1947 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Social Commentary, Drama · 54 chapters